Family Attractions in Saint Augustine

Situated close in proximity to famous Disney sites, Saint Augustine attractions for kids make an excellent add-on to an Orlando vacation. However, there's plenty to do here to fill an entire vacation. From the beach to historical sites and more, everyone in your family is bound to find something to enjoy. Read on for a handful of things to do to get you started on planning your Saint Augustine Family Vacation.

In a city that's over 400 years old, you're destined to discover interesting historical venues. St. George Street is lined with at least 25 historic Saint Augustine tourist attractions, so it's a good place to start a trip to the city. The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is also hard to miss. It's a gigantic masonry structure on the north end of the Historic District, and it served as a military fort for Spanish, British and American forces since the 17th century. Take a tour to get a hands-on view of what life was like in the area when European settlers first arrived. Rangers and reenactors fire the cannons for a lively display on weekends. If you're looking for ideal accommodations to complement a history-themed trip, consider staying at the Casa Monica Hotel Saint Augustine. As a member of the National Historic Hotels of America, it offers period architecture from the 1880's and Spanish-style decor.

Besides the numerous historical Saint Augustine attractions for kids, you shouldn't miss the white-sand beaches and warm Atlantic waters. Grab a sunbrella and a sand bucket, and get ready for a day of leisurely lounging. Anastasia Island State Park is an awesome spot to enjoy the coast. There are hiking trails, fishing and vendors who rent kayaks, canoes and paddle boards. The Hampton Inn Saint Augustine Beach is a great kid-friendly hotel in Saint Augustine if you're planning on spending most of your time on the sand. They're within walking distance of the ocean, and they even have an on-site playground.

For added fun, you can head to the local Ripley's Believe It Or Not. This recreation of the famous novelty museum has been around since 1918, making it the very first permanent Ripley's attraction. Another Saint Augustine original is Marineland. It started out as a studio for Hollywood underwater filming and now serves as a research center for marine conservation. At Marineland, you can book a dolphin swim or grab a general admission ticket to marvel at dolphins as they interact with researchers and guests.

Your family vacation is a chance to make lifelong memories. Choose plenty of Saint Augustine attractions for kids if you're heading to this sunny destination to ensure an unforgettable experience. MiniTime's articles, family trip plans in Saint Augustine and user reviews can help you sort through all the choices to find the best things to do in Saint Augustine for your family.